19 y/o with an S60 T5 - my car history and a belated intro..
Discussion
Synchromesh said:
Yes I'm sure the sight of a 19 year old in an S60 is quite an incongruous one, but not been pulled over yet.
Nor will you be pulled over, the existence of the S60 is a quiet one. Unless it's in white with 'POLICE' plastered on the front, other drivers won't even notice it. The police will certainly not look twice at you in it, even as a 19 year old. Unlike, say, the difference between an M3 and the 318, the T5 has few giveaways to distinguish it any other S60. It is not loud, it does not shout. Unless they get an ANPR ping they won't look twice at you. I could make fantastic progress in my S60 quite anonymously. Even the local plain traffic S60's are fairly innominate, and I only recognise them by seeing the driver or being close enough to see the car set inside. Other motorists don't even have a clue they're there, partly helped, I suppose, by the fact that most of my local police force's traffic cars are now BMW's and V70 estates. The marked S60's are fairly few and far between now and they will be retired from service altogether by the end of this year.
Took the T5 to Donington Park for a track day yesterday. Unsurprisingly, it wasn't the Volvo we took round, but a hired Tiger R6. However, despite not being the pinnacle of track day toyishness, it is a fine cruiser, and munched up the 260 mile round trip, carrying myself, two friends and a boot full of clobber, with aplomb.
S60 at Donington 1 by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
S60 at Donington 2 by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
S60 at Donington 1 by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
S60 at Donington 2 by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
williredale said:
Synchromesh said:
I also noticed a definite change in how other road users treated me - either they see a dark S60 going exactly 70 and assume I'm BiB, or it's just that bigger cars get more respect. Perhaps someone could fill me in on this.
I have a purple C70 T5 and I think it is the large Volvo shape that other motorists associate with traffic police. I can watch others react, slow down and only when I'm alongside do they realise that I'm in a coupe and not going to nick them... With the 850 it was clearly not a Police car due to the age of it at the time (just a couple of years ago)...I think it is just other drivers instinct to check what they are doing when they see a Volvo
I love how other drivers spot a Volvo coming and get out of the way on Dual Carriageway or Motorway.
Suits me
y2blade said:
I get the same reaction in my Dark Blue S60 D5 (same as your but the multi-spoke alloys)....I got the same treatment with my old white 850 T5 too.
With the 850 it was clearly not a Police car due to the age of it at the time (just a couple of years ago)...I think it is just other drivers instinct to check what they are doing when they see a Volvo
I love how other drivers spot a Volvo coming and get out of the way on Dual Carriageway or Motorway.
Suits me
It's brilliant in my Dad's E61 530d, no one will overtake and everyone gets out of the way. I even get it in my E46. Headlights on and going down a dual carriageway and everyone pulls out of your way. Never had that in other cars.With the 850 it was clearly not a Police car due to the age of it at the time (just a couple of years ago)...I think it is just other drivers instinct to check what they are doing when they see a Volvo
I love how other drivers spot a Volvo coming and get out of the way on Dual Carriageway or Motorway.
Suits me
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6974682021_fd6a...
bloody gorgeous, Headlight wipers are still cool. Im 19 and considering one of these and a saab 9-3 1.8t
bloody gorgeous, Headlight wipers are still cool. Im 19 and considering one of these and a saab 9-3 1.8t
A small update:
Went through a car-wash last Saturday which took the headlight wipers off (which the more observant will have noticed are missing from the Donington photo). Wipers have been retrieved but not the attachments that hold them in place. These can only be bought with the arms at 35 per side, so will have to claim from the car-wash company for them.
Today, engine was idling so quietly I tried to start it while it was running. Cue nasty noise from started motor (but no damage) and a reminder to look at the rev counter and check the engine isn't running before I turn the key in future.
On a handling based note, I've concluded that although you can't bring the tail in to play in any meaningful way, it's certainly more lively and adjustable than the Polo. Now there's a turn up for the book.
Went through a car-wash last Saturday which took the headlight wipers off (which the more observant will have noticed are missing from the Donington photo). Wipers have been retrieved but not the attachments that hold them in place. These can only be bought with the arms at 35 per side, so will have to claim from the car-wash company for them.
Today, engine was idling so quietly I tried to start it while it was running. Cue nasty noise from started motor (but no damage) and a reminder to look at the rev counter and check the engine isn't running before I turn the key in future.
On a handling based note, I've concluded that although you can't bring the tail in to play in any meaningful way, it's certainly more lively and adjustable than the Polo. Now there's a turn up for the book.
Edited by Synchromesh on Sunday 18th March 10:14
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Synchromesh said:
A small update:
Went through a car-wash last Saturday which took the headlight wipers off (which the more observant will have noticed are missing from the Donington photo). Wipers have been retrieved but not the attachments that hold them in place. These can only be bought with the arms at 35 per side, so will have to claim from the car-wash company for them.
Today, engine was idling so quietly I tried to start it while it was running. Cue nasty noise from started motor (but no damage) and a reminder to look at the rev counter and check the engine isn't running before I turn the key in future.
On a handling based note, I've concluded that although it's hard to bring the tail in to play in any meaningful way, it's certainly more lively and adjustable than the Polo. Now there's a turn up for the book.
Is this possible to claim it back? I'm guessing you will have some trouble claiming that back! But shame on you for putting it through a car wash!Went through a car-wash last Saturday which took the headlight wipers off (which the more observant will have noticed are missing from the Donington photo). Wipers have been retrieved but not the attachments that hold them in place. These can only be bought with the arms at 35 per side, so will have to claim from the car-wash company for them.
Today, engine was idling so quietly I tried to start it while it was running. Cue nasty noise from started motor (but no damage) and a reminder to look at the rev counter and check the engine isn't running before I turn the key in future.
On a handling based note, I've concluded that although it's hard to bring the tail in to play in any meaningful way, it's certainly more lively and adjustable than the Polo. Now there's a turn up for the book.
Car getting damaged in a car wash? No surprises there then. It's probably a 'use at your own risk' type thing too, so I doubt you'll be compensated for the damage.
Also, if the back end of an S60 is moving about in any sort of 'meaningful way' then there is something wrong with it. They don't do handling drama, just grip, grip and more grip.
Also, if the back end of an S60 is moving about in any sort of 'meaningful way' then there is something wrong with it. They don't do handling drama, just grip, grip and more grip.
Baryonyx said:
Car getting damaged in a car wash? No surprises there then. It's probably a 'use at your own risk' type thing too, so I doubt you'll be compensated for the damage.
First time my car's been damaged in one though, and it'll be the last time I take a car through one. The guys running seemed pretty affable though, and gave me a form to claim from head office, so it should be possible.Baryonyx said:
Also, if the back end of an S60 is moving about in any sort of 'meaningful way' then there is something wrong with it. They don't do handling drama, just grip, grip and more grip.
I've edited my post now for your benefit. My point was that I couldn't get the tail to loose traction, but found lifting had a greater effect on increasing yaw that in did in the Polo. But your right, they do grip.
Thought I'd give a small update.
Managed to claim from the car wash for the wiper arms and got them fitted now. Done quite a few more miles in it too, including three trips into Wales to explore some great driving roads. As you can see in the pictures, it's looking rather filthy as I haven't cleaned it for a couple on months. I put some new plain number plates on it too as the old ones were tired, and it's tidied it up no end. It will need a new pair of front tyres though soon as the fronts are down to about 3mm.
S60 wheel by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
S60 in Wales by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
Managed to claim from the car wash for the wiper arms and got them fitted now. Done quite a few more miles in it too, including three trips into Wales to explore some great driving roads. As you can see in the pictures, it's looking rather filthy as I haven't cleaned it for a couple on months. I put some new plain number plates on it too as the old ones were tired, and it's tidied it up no end. It will need a new pair of front tyres though soon as the fronts are down to about 3mm.
S60 wheel by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
S60 in Wales by jlewisbarned, on Flickr
Munched another 500 miles this weekend and it's still handling everything I throw at it with complete and utter imperturbability. That'll make 4000 miles in three months then - seems excessive when I remember I don't even use the car for commuting but more's the fun.
Anyway, thought I'd share the fruits of my afternoon's 'revision' for your delight and delectation...
Volvo S60 promotional video
Volvo S60 WhatCar? video review
Cringworthy "comparison test" video w/ Tiff Needell
Anyway, thought I'd share the fruits of my afternoon's 'revision' for your delight and delectation...
Volvo S60 promotional video
Volvo S60 WhatCar? video review
Cringworthy "comparison test" video w/ Tiff Needell
Stedman said:
I've never ce had undue attention in my car...and I'm baby faced too
It picked up quite a few looks on the way back from Manchester with that writing on the back... 
...and those chavs in the MG in Manchester.
I take it the time you were pulled because "he could hear you, before he could see you" counts under due attention?
Waugh-terfall said:
Stedman said:
I've never ce had undue attention in my car...and I'm baby faced too
It picked up quite a few looks on the way back from Manchester with that writing on the back... ...and those chavs in the MG in Manchester.
I take it the time you were pulled because "he could hear you, before he could see you" counts under due attention?
Those cheeky chavs. That writing. that exhaust....does count under due attention.Baryonyx said:
Synchromesh said:
Yes I'm sure the sight of a 19 year old in an S60 is quite an incongruous one, but not been pulled over yet.
Nor will you be pulled over, the existence of the S60 is a quiet one. Unless it's in white with 'POLICE' plastered on the front, other drivers won't even notice it. The police will certainly not look twice at you in it, even as a 19 year old. Unlike, say, the difference between an M3 and the 318, the T5 has few giveaways to distinguish it any other S60. It is not loud, it does not shout. Unless they get an ANPR ping they won't look twice at you. I could make fantastic progress in my S60 quite anonymously. Even the local plain traffic S60's are fairly innominate, and I only recognise them by seeing the driver or being close enough to see the car set inside. Other motorists don't even have a clue they're there, partly helped, I suppose, by the fact that most of my local police force's traffic cars are now BMW's and V70 estates. The marked S60's are fairly few and far between now and they will be retired from service altogether by the end of this year.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff